Birth date: Sep 8, 1963 Death date: May 7, 2026
September 8th, 1963 – May 7th, 2026 Elaine Mary Wink Johnston, known as Wink Chapman, was born in 1963 in Buffalo, New York, to English/American parents. Her family moved to California when she was six, where she spent the remain Read Obituary
Dear Wink,
Did you know that for the past month, I’ve been telling my mom to book an appointment with you to get a trim. She was trying to convince me to go somewhere else but I kept saying I want to go to winks because I love seeing you and talking to you. You cut my hair through me cutting my own hair when I was 3 or when you cut off my hair to donate. I still can’t believe the last time I saw you was in 2024. I’m gonna miss you forever.
Love Myrah
(Devys kid)
Wink,
You were one of the kindest, sweetest, and most fun people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Thank you for believing in me, encouraging me, and helping shape the stylist I am today. I truly wouldn’t be where I am in my career if it weren’t for your guidance, support, and friendship. You were so much more than a salon owner. You were a mentor, an inspiration, and a dear friend. Your laughter, warmth, and beautiful spirit will stay with me forever. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Thank you for everything. ❤️
Wink, I've seen you every 5 to 6 weeks for about 30 years until that day I walked in your salon and you were not there. I was so shocked. I have always loved the way you did my hair. You were very talented and creative and I was always open to your new style ideas. You did my husband's hair and also my 2 daughters. Although they stopped going for various reasons, I was lucky to be able to keep you.
We had wonderful conversations throughout the years. I felt such a connection with you. You would give me the best advice. I am so blessed to have had you in my life. I'm sorry that things were not always great for you, but you always held your head up high. You had such a passion on life. You will be deeply missed. We miss you a lot!
Wink, you did my hair for over 30 years and kept me looking stylish. We shared the same birthday so had much in common. I have known you through three husbands and many ups and downs in your personal life. You deserved more happiness , and always gave your best effort to loved one’s and friends. You were a hard worker with a creative eye. Your Tonic salon sparkles with your personality and style. The last few years took its toll financially and personally on you, and maybe it was too much for your body to handle. Dear Wink, thanks for the beauty that you bestowed on all of your loyal customers and friends. You should not have left us so soon.
It’s so nice seeing these notes & photos…
I couldn’t be sadder… 😢💔
I loved Wink so…
I will miss her terribly…
Elaine Mary Wink Johnston, lovingly known as Wink Chapman, was born in 1963 in Buffalo, New York, to English/American parents. Her family moved to California when she was six, where she spent the remainder of her life building a vibrant career.
Wink was a proud graduate of Don’s Beauty School, where she completed her cosmetology training and went on to become a highly successful salon owner. She operated two salons in the San Francisco Bay Area, including her most recent venture, Tonic in Belmont. Built from the ground up through her dedication and vision, Tonic continues to thrive and has been recognized as one of the Top 3 Businesses in Belmont.
Talented and multifaceted, Wink played the cello in her younger years, as well as sang an a cappella version of Olivia Newton John’s “B17”. She traveled the world, embraced new experiences, and left a meaningful impact on the many people she met throughout her life. More recently, she played golf, and she found joy dancing, attending courses at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, where she earned distinction as Best in the Newcomers Division.
Wink is survived by her sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who will miss her deeply. Although words in an obituary will never capture the experience of knowing Wink, her warmth, creativity, humour and lively spirit will be remembered always.
